Catsitting Kathleen

Actually Mommy took care of Kathleen the cat while I took another nap in front of the TV.

Caught on camera

Mommy and I doing what we love best... taking an afternoon nap.

ADOPTION QUEST: Recertification done

Lisa:  After dragging our feet to take enough classes and have all our paperwork filled and signed properly, we are re-certified for another 2-years.  Aaron and I did this because we have Alia in our care and will have her for a long time while we go through the process.  I have to say it was less painful than our initial certification.  At least our house already had the proper alarms, locks and medicine drawer.  And we had a nicer case worker doing our interview.

 

Someone is relieved!!

Hanging out with Uncle Jay

This is my Uncle Jay.  He is Daddy's best friend from high school.  Aunt Jen couldn't make dinner that night, boo.

MILESTONES: Eating cereal

Mommy started feeding me single grain cereal today.  She said I must have a small tummy because I can only eat up to 6 oz. per feeding and lately I get hungry every 2 hours now.  She said I need more to fill me up.

 

The cereal feels funny in my mouth and my tongue is not sure what to do with it, but Mommy let's me suck on the spoon so I can at least suck the cereal in.  Some feedings I cry because I just want my bottle but as time goes by I'm getting more used to eating cereal.  I know I'll get my bottle when I'm done with my bowl.

Cookie was here for my first feeding.  She cheered me on then burped me.

My selfie with Dad

Meeting Grandma Brlas

 

Dear Tutu,

I got to meet Grandma Brlas today.  She is Daddy's grandmother.  I made Grandma so happy even though she's not sure who I am.  Grandpa Rick, his friend Nita and Uncle Kyle were there too.

Love, Alia

My 1st Christmas

Dinner with Grandpa Rick and Uncle Kyle

Dinner with Cookie and Ken

Opening presents

Best of all, I was held a lot by Cookie and Uncle Kyle.

U is for Undisturbed

After a day of playing and kicking and rolling, I get really tired. Sometimes I get cranky and have a hard time putting myself to sleep. I need Mommy to rock me a little and have my binkie to soothe me, and I'm out.

T is for Tasty

I love sucking on my fingers, hands, blankets and teething toys. Then I coat them all with drool!!

MILESTONES: Rolling, rolling, rolling

Not only can I roll onto my tummy, I can roll back onto my back and keep rolling across the floor until I hit one of my toys that Mommy uses to cushion my path.  She puts toys for me to play with on my way down the blanket.  It's fun and keeps me busy for a good half hour before I get tired.

S is for Sweet as Sunshine

 I'm getting used to this photoshoot business.  Just act natural!

 

 

 

 

Daddy's biking party

Dear Tutu,

Daddy belongs to two mountain biking clubs.  His favorite club, the Ohio Fat Tires Mountain Bike Association, held their annual Christmas party at Swerve Bike Shop in Oberlin.  Daddy introduced Mommy and me to his good friends and bike buddies.  My friend Kyle was there with Uncle Mikey and Aunt Tina too.  Good company, food, drinks and entertainment.

It got a little loud after dinner so Mommy took me downstairs into the bike shop to hang out until Daddy was ready to leave.  She watched a movie while I ate and slept.  It ended up being a good time for the whole family.

Love, Alia

p.s. I got upgraded to a bigger car seat!  A new cover included.

On a happy note...

I was getting ready to take a bath when Keala hopped up on bed to lie next to me. (It smells like she needs a bath too.  Too bad I don't have space in my tub.)

 

 

 

 

Helping Daddy with Christmas gifts

Dear Tutu,

I helped Daddy put Cookie's Christmas gift together. Okay I guess I supervised more than helped.  Cookie is going to LOVE this gift that Mommy put together for her. (SECRET:  It's a frame with pictures of me and the other foster children -- Nate, Zaiden and Jace.  It also has Daddy, Uncle Kyle and Ken in there -- Cookie's family.)  We'll have to wait until Christmas to find out if she likes it.

Love, Alia

[Update 12/25: Cookie loved it so much, she couldn't stop crying with happiness.  Good job Mommy!]